Criminal Defence Lawyers in Dubai

A criminal matter may pass through police inquiry, Public Prosecution and several court levels. Each stage has different custody, evidence, representation and deadline considerations.

From Complaint To Judgment

Federal Decree-Law 38 of 2022 governs criminal procedure and has applied since 1 March 2023. A matter may proceed from police inquiry to the Public Prosecution, then to the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal and Court of Cassation. The defence task changes at each stage, from addressing statements and custody to examining the prosecution case, making court submissions and preserving the applicable appeal deadline.

Defence During Police Inquiry

Police-stage work requires close attention to the first statement, the language used and the time of detention. Under Article 48, where a person’s statement does not warrant release, that person must be presented to the competent Public Prosecution within 48 hours. Interrogation must be conducted in a language the accused understands, with an official translator or approved technical means for a non-Arabic speaker. The accused may communicate privately with their lawyer.

Public Prosecution Proceedings

At prosecution stage, the accused may be released with or without bail. A prosecution custody order is valid for seven days and may be renewed for a further period not exceeding 14 days. Article 99 permits the Public Prosecution to impose a travel ban during an investigation without bail, including seizure of the passport. Defence work at this stage therefore addresses the allegation alongside custody, release and travel restrictions.

Court And Appeal Defence

Court-stage work includes trial submissions, detention applications and appeal deadlines. Article 140 establishes a Minor Felony Court for felonies punishable by temporary imprisonment, while Articles 414 to 426 permit remote communication technology in proceedings and evidence. An accused generally has 15 days to appeal to the Court of Appeal and 30 days to apply to the Court of Cassation under Article 245. A missed deadline makes the judgment final and enforceable.

The Firm And Its Reach

PROCONSULT ADVOCATES & LEGAL CONSULTANTS handles criminal matters including drug allegations, cybercrime complaints, detention, travel bans and appeals. Established in Dubai in 2007, the firm is licensed to appear and represents clients before all courts in the UAE. Managing Director Mr Tony Maalouli has over 30 years in the legal field. The firm works in English, Arabic and French and is the exclusive Dubai and UAE member of the ILF Association, with roughly 70 branches across about 50 countries. This is general information, not case-specific advice. Contacting the firm does not create a lawyer-client relationship.